Quotes from Jessica Sanchez

I've been working hard my whole life.

In the U.S., no one minds who I am, even if they saw me in 'Idol.' If I'm not doing any shows, my friends and I can just drive around the neighborhood and go to bars at night and chill till four in the morning.

During 'Idol,' I wasn't expecting anything. I just wanted to survive the competition, but my album and my music are a big part of who I am. Hopefully it translates well and I keep growing as an artist.

I feel like artists and their lyrics are something that people can relate to when it comes to love and break-ups. I really want people to know how I felt when I went through a break up, when I really felt alive, and everything in between.

Music has always been my passion. It was not a hobby or something I can take out of my life.

Christmas is my favorite holiday because you spend time with family. I love the decorations, the music, and buying gifts for people. Everything about Christmas is the best.

I've been in the 'Idol' bubble, and now it's popped, and I don't know what's going to happen.

I've been watching 'American Idol' since I was five years old.

I've been training myself and listening to other artists and seeing where their emotion comes from, singing a heartbreak song when they're in a happy relationship.

I really want to show my supporters - -the direction I wish to go into, and my fans know that is what I want to do! They even have recommended songs for me to sing, I love my fans...they are awesome!

I love artists that just do what they do with so much passion and emotion.

'Proud Mary' was the best song for me to perform because it was so much fun.

Being hurt by someone you really cared about, it makes me want to make them regret ever hurting my heart. Best way of doing that? Success. Get ready for it.

When you are in the American Idol bubble, a lot of contestants want to go as far as they can and wish to be on point with ready-to-go songs.

But I'm really into old music - bluesy, soulful singers, like Etta James, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin. I wouldn't have minded being born in the 1960s!

I remember Steven Tyler coming up to me once. He was like, 'Oh my god, you have a God given talent,' and I freaked out. He's so sweet.

I used to have hair so long, my nickname was Pocahontas.

I've been homeschooled since ninth grade.

Right after 'Idol,' I was like, 'I've got to become a totally different person. I gotta upgrade myself.' I can't just stand there and be all shy and sing.

I want to do more urban R&B with a little bit of pop, but not much. I want to have that soulful kind of side of me come out.

This is going to seem odd, but I love Eminem because he has so much conviction and emotion in the way he raps. Every word that he raps, you feel it.

Before I was on 'Idol,' I just sat at home and played video games all day long. Now I get to travel and work towards my dream. It's the best feeling ever.

I'm all about risque - I love that stuff. I love to be creative - that's what the entertainment business is about.

Do not let anything get in your way of chasing your dreams.